SOC Venezuela: Building on the Legacy

Certainly, the school of Christ is a tool for the body of Christ, and we recognize that God is using the school for the preparation of the Body of Christ. Therefore, it is important to mention that the school is not for an exclusive institution but for all those who open their doors to us and want to be confronted, challenged, and inspired.

I met Pastor Richard Suarez, who graduated from the School of Christ years before. He contacted me to tell me about his desire to establish a School of Christ among the needy in the department of Zulia in the Guajira region of Venezuela. I mentioned that he had our full support for this endeavor.

Pastor Suarez traveled to La Guajira to meet with the Guayu pastors and begin the coordination process for a boarding school in this area. I have always believed that God is not a God of coincidences, but of purpose. Neither Pastor Richard Suarez nor I ever imagined we would encounter the work and legacy of Pastor Donald Chance, who is much loved and remembered among these tribes for his great passion for the most disadvantaged. Since he went to be with the Lord, all ministry work in that area has come to a standstill, to the point that the buildings he built are falling apart due to the lack of visionary leadership and, at the same time, a lack of resources.

I was thrilled that we could meet with Pastor Donald Chance's disciples; so we began the adventure of internally training pastors and leaders at the facility. Although in poor condition, it was exciting to know that this was built for this purpose: to help the indigenous people learn the message of Pentecost. The students came with their hammocks, buckets for bathing, and toiletries, and let me tell you, it was impressive to see their enthusiasm for Christ's school. Despite the poor conditions for sleeping, cleaning, and preparing food, the students' eyes remained fixed on Jesus.

Now, Pastor Eugenio Prieto, a native of the area who played a crucial role in this school, together with Pastor Suárez, are already organizing for what will be the next school this coming year. What will be new will be seeing indigenous pastors teaching their own people and using their resources to meet the needs of the School of Christ.

This is what we truly need in every country: the natives teaching their own people. I thank God for your support in this endeavor, and all of this is thanks to you traveling with us with your prayers and your faithful contribution to the work of the school of Christ.

The graduation and testimonies took place in an atmosphere of profound gratitude to the Lord, and I hope you enjoy the photographs I can lovingly share, which bear witness to what happened. God bless you!